BRUSSELS (AP) -- The European Union's executive has proposed to ban the use of driftnets in EU waters and on its vessels anywhere by year's end to better enforce the protection of dolphins and other sea mammals, sea turtles and bluefin tuna.

Driftnets stretching for miles close to the surface are often responsible for the incidental capture and killing of thousands of marine animals that are important to the ecosystem but have little commercial value.

Historically, such nets have also been used in the hunt for endangered bluefin tuna. A total ban on driftnets would make catching cheats easier. The proposal now goes to the 28 member states for approval.

The Pew Charitable Trusts said Wednesday's proposal showed the EU's "willingness to crack down on the illegal fishing of bluefin tuna."